4.28.2010

Arriving by helicopter is always such fun.Not exactly subtle or understated - but always a giggle.The waiter on the terrace seemsto have noticed .... . these birds aren't noted for being quiet.

The trip from Milan was rather quick and oh so beautiful cruisingover the mountains to the western shore of Lake Garda. I'm delighted you'vedecided to continue our little trek through a few of my favorite veryspecial spots in Italy.

I'm told this villa , built in 1892, underwent a 4 year renovation and openedin 2001 as a small (15 rooms + 3 cottages) hotel which oozes rustic elegance.Such sumptuous yet cozy details . Love the feel of these reception areas ... .before we head up to our rooms - let's stroll the gardens and see what we can find.

Acres of gardens with numerous paths to all kinds of enchantment.This looks interesting ... . let's take a peek.What fun ! Looks a bit like Alice in Wonderland's choice fortea with the Mad Hatter.Shall we reserve a table with a view of the lake for dinner?For now, I'm feeling a small afternoon treat is in order.

Perfection .. . A Gelato cart waiting on the lawn under the trees by the pool.

And a very special pool it is. Don't you just adore the vast manicured lawnwhich reaches from lakeside to poolside,broken only by a shaded canopy of ancient trees ?I hope you'll find your room as delicious as I find mine ... . the balcony withit's own Lemon tree and canvas cushioned stone balustrade is such a lovely detail.An octagonal room with an octagonal bath .. . . those are hard to find.But, well worth the trip - whether by land, air or sea.

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FYI: This week we've found the Grand Hotel Villa Feltrinelliin the village of Gargnano on Lake Garda.As if the gardens, the views, and the exquisite serviceweren't enough ... . it has quite a bit of history. Benito Mussolini spent hislast years in seclusion here. Winston Churchill and D.H. Lawrence consideredit to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.Current amenities include silk lined bath robes, Aqua di Parma toiletries,and laptops on request. All well and good ... . but the fact that they gladlyunpack and repack your luggage adds just the perfect touch of heaven -along with their laundry service: each article of clothing is folded, wrappedin tissue and secured with a ribbon and a sprig of fresh lavender.

I wonder what's just around that corner .So much for simplicity .. . . this looks enchanting!I like.

Let's have lunch while they find just the perfect rooms for us.

Since I requested a suite with a ridiculously fabulous bath .. . .I'd say this is perfection.

Can't wait to dive into that tub and investigate the frescos . . .

Let's plan on a swim in that divine pool in the garden at sunset.

This is just the weekend sojourn I needed -I'm thrilled you could join me.

_________________________FYI :We've found the Villa Le Rose,a 15th century Medici villa nestled in the Florentine hills and recently renovated by the Ferragamo family.All six bedrooms and vast gardens can be ours foraround 4,000 euros a night.

4.14.2010

These images speak of the Latin love of vibrant color , along witha determination to bring a dose of cheer into obvious decay.Once again, Michael Eastmans' photography speaks eloquently ofAnother Place & Another Time .... . . and changing realities.

Michael Eastman's photography captures all this and more.Stories shared and secrets unspoken.____________________________________________These are some of his best known images from the Cuba series.Stay tuned for more from Cuba, as well as his Vanishing America photos.

4.08.2010

I'm always intrigued by personal collections of odd little objectsof no singular consequence .. .. . especially those with a hi-lowmix, such as these from a Maine antique dealer .

He obviously takes great pleasure in creating visual poetry with his uniqueblend of found objects and treasures. Love the floor with row upon row ofhand painted white dots. Great attention to detail, mixed with large dosesof elegance and purity.

4.03.2010

Tis the season for spring bonnets . Tis also the season of renewal, rebirthand hatching a few new ideas. Tristan at Enchanted Revelry is always theplace to go for remarkable vintage photos ( where does he find so muchWacky Stuff ??!) along with his ever clever commentary.A recent post featured the photo aboveof this rather startling headgear. It seemed to bounce around my brainfor a few days, until I finally decided I needed to play with it a bit.I hope you're all enjoying a creative Easter weekend .. . . with lots offriends, family and chocolate bunnies !